HLA-haploidentical donor lymphocyte infusion

HLA-haploidentical donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) is an investigational cellular immunotherapy developed by Duke University for the treatment of high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), particularly in older patients. Evaluated in clinical trials such as NCT02046122, this therapy involves the adoptive transfer of CD3+ T-lymphocytes obtained from partially matched (HLA-haploidentical) family donors. The treatment is designed to induce a graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect, where the donor's immune cells recognize and eliminate residual malignant cells in the recipient. In the Duke University protocol, this infusion is administered following a chemotherapy conditioning regimen (typically idarubicin and cytarabine) to maximize efficacy and reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This approach aims to provide a viable and less toxic alternative to standard allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for elderly patients who are not candidates for intensive transplant procedures.

Other names

haploidentical DLIHLA-mismatched DLI